Identity negotiation of older people in a mobility context: The case of train journeys

Abstract

This research sets out to understand the process of identity negotiation undertaken by older people. The limitations associated with the ageing process are increasing. Older people must also negotiate with regard to the social image of ageing. They encounter this identity negotiation in an emblematic manner in mobility contexts. The research, conducted on the basis of an ethnographic methodology of train journeys, identifies four identity-negotiation strategies for older people, based on stoic fatalism, opportunistic acceptance, empowering appropriation and similar adequacy. These four strategies may be adopted by a single person during the same journey. They are then discussed in relation to the concept of successful ageing.